Final Four posters show off college students’ artwork INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As some of the best college athletes prepared to take the court for the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four, college artists were also getting a spotlight. Five students at Indiana University Indianapolis’ Herron School of Art and Design were selected to have their art handed out as posters to tens of thousands of visitors. Posters will be available at these locations: The INDEX, The Stutz Building, Indianapolis International Airport, and shops on Massachusetts Avenue and in Fountain Square. Junior Ryann Smith said he had zero interest in working in sports, but that’s changed because of this project. “I do enjoy the energy that surrounds, just sports in general. I could get really nerdy about it, but just the way players move in particular, there is an art form behind it.” Senior Nicholas Gilbert’s design pays tribute to the history of the Final Four in Indianapolis, listing the previous years the Circle City has hosted. “I wanted to capture how exciting basketball is and how exciting it is in the city. I feel like my poster is very energetic and captures that excitement.” Smith and Gilbert looked forward to the possibility of their work traveling across the globe after the Final Four. Gilbert said, “Let it be in the garage. Let it be in your den. Let it be where you watch basketball. Like it’s just a huge honor to see that even happen.” Smith said, “I really hope that like folks just understand how much time, energy, and passion that the local artists here have shines through.” Professor Amrita Datta Haughn said it’s crucial for students to get real-world experiences. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our student work to be out there. For it to be out in the public, everyone to recognize the work that we do here, and recognize the students who are doing the work, I think that’s one of the most incredible opportunities.” The originators behind the poster series were the Indy Arts Council and Indiana Sports Corp as part of the SWISH Festival. SWISH Festival locations From left to right: “Indy Knows Ball” by Ryann Smith; “Fans Since 1980” by Nicholas Gilbert. From left to right: “Beyond the Game” by Piper Syester; “The Hoosier Fields” by Charlie Krause; “Pop Shot” by Isabella Freshour. ...read more read less